Improved Paper Wallet, Vinyl Style

This is an improved version of theRIAA'spaper wallet made out of scrap vinyl. This is an awesome design by theRIAA. By making it from vinyl, it makes it more durable, waterproof (opposed to paper), adds stability to the pockets (Internal and External), and is an awesome material to add your own decals to.

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Step 1: Materials

Step 2: Folding the Wallet

Follow theRIAAs paper wallet instructions up to step 4. When you get to step 4 start, continue reading.

Step 4:When folding in the flaps, remove the vinyl backing to adhere the vinyl to itself (I found an exacto knife worked best). This adds durability to outside pockets edge.

Step 5: OptionalUse of piece of vinyl instead of tape.

Step 3: Step 6: Cut Edges

Round corners of flaps so it will be easier to apply to the inside of the wallet.

Step 4: Step 7: Cut and Tuck

This part is the trickiest part. Please read over theRIAAs original instructable on Step 7, to understand the Zipper Fold, if not already familiar with it.

1. Peel back first flap and cut off backing.2. Tuck, carefully, into pocket. (See video)

Step 5: Finished

Now that you have a vinyl wallet, add cool decals to it or just leave it as is! My current vinyl wallet is made out of etched vinyl, it looks like shiny silver. If you have any cool decal ideas or any ideas, let me know!

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You can probably get scrap vinyl from your local sign shop. They may charge you something for it. I have also had luck contacting the folks at Java Signs. They had a lot of specialty vinyl that they were willing to cut small pieces of for a few bucks plus shipping. I got glow-in-the-dark vinyl from them and it rules.

It is also important to note that there is a difference between cast adhesive vinyl and calendered adhesive vinyl. Cast is BETTER. It is more durable, and less likely to shrink with time. So if you find some nice person at a sign shop who will hook you up, ask for cast if they have it. Sign shops that do vehicle wraps tend to have lots of cast vinyl scraps.

An update on my etched vinyl wallet. The center crease where you tape the two ends together is ripping. I forgot that etched vinyl rips easier than regular vinyl. (sacrifice looks for quality) An easy fix is to put another piece of tape/vinyl on the back side of the center crease along with the front.

Excellent instructable. Maybe 6 months ago, I actually ventured out on a more durable version of the paper wallet by using a spare 3 ring binder and cutting the plastic off the front that is supposed to hold a cover page. I ended up using reinforced clear duct tape and it has held up well, but I might have to check out this much cleaner assembly. Good job.
Long live thin wallets! ML